As an Istanbulian and who lived there most of my life before I move to abroad from my country. of course I know more than "a lot of" places to see and "things" to do in Istanbul.

The city is never enough for exploring new areas, facing with surprises.

Istanbul is a city that you feel "love" and "hate" at the same time.
Between all the cities I have been, Istanbul always have a special place in my heart and it's still speacial even comparing with most shining world cities.

And being a city seperates to continents Europe and Asia with a beautiful bridges on Bosphorus. There is nowhere I can change that feeling and smelling of sea in Bosporus with strong or sweet winds.

Advantages:

• Beautiful City:

I have been and lived in a lot of cities for short or long period. Before leaving Istanbul totally, I had no idea what I have. During the times I was far from my most beloved one, I have realised Istanbul is one of the most beautiful city in the world.

• Hospitality:

Turkish Culture have a "fanatic" hospitality for guests. Usually, foreigners are highly welcomed with kindness and super hospitality, but this doesn't mean there are "bad guys" who is making "wrong image" is not exists too. 

Disadvantages:

• Traffic:

Of course when we are talking about Istanbul, traffic is the first topic we remind. But comparing with Asia's traffic, I think it's quite acceptable.

• Immigration:

Last 5-10 years, Turkey changed from position sending immigrants through accepting immigrants and it's too fast became interested by a lot of nations from all over the world, as people realized Turkey government doesn't inspect each person carefully and easy to move over there, it woke up "wrong" people for immigrating to country and because of some wrong people, it's also making environment to be judge same with normal expats and people starts to be disturbed of foreigner people/companies are surrounding their around and making their business go down.

Must To Do:

• Breathe the air of Bosphorus, go for a yacht tour/ride and enjoy your precious moments in a day time and night.
   
• Go and watch panoramic Istanbul from Galata Tower's top with an amazing historical view.

Warnings:

• Istanbul is/was safe city before low profile immigrations. Due to these issues and uncontroller immigration from poor countries, it's more recommended after 12pm at night, it's better to walk in main roads/streets for Expats instead of choosing dark and back streets for shortcuts.
   
• Do not follow anyone for guiding to places, revenues, clubs, bars unless you do really feel no problem with it in touristical places these kind of scams are popular same as many other countries.
   
• Beware of weird looking Night Clubs especially hidden places that you go deep and ladies are coming to you directly. Usually horny people who wants to do "stupid things" got caught their webs because of their weakness of woman, and it finishes with a "huge bill" or "help request" maybe even worse that can leave a hard life lesson!
  
  Turkish people have an urban quote describing this situation:
  
  "Whatever happens and goes wrong with someone, it's because of being curiosity or p***s"

Do not ever forget this sentence, if you don't want to have troubles in Istanbul.

• Beware of trying to speak with girls who has "man" around even as Friend does not matter. It's almost considered as "rude" and usually it ends with hearing things you don't want or might be even a fight depend on your behaviour, honestly people does not love to be disturbed or people involve their personal spaces especially while they are enjoying. It's considered as "disrespecting" person next to. I recommend this for avoid having suprises. It's not welcomed these kind of acts over Istanbul and Turkish Culture.

Recommended Places:

• Sortie:

Istanbul's best spot for Fine Dine and Night Clubbing in front of beautiful Istanbul Bosphorus, Sortie is a "must to see" place in Istanbul.

• Maiden Tower:

In the center of Bosphorus, a Tower standing with hundreds of years history.

• Galata Tower:

To see bird eye view of Istanbul and Bosphorus's silhouette, it's amazing structure to see.

• Hagia Sophia:

One of the most important structure for Christianity with hundreds of years history is located in Sultanahmet, in recent years it's turned from museum to mosque, so it's free to visit and feel the atmosphere of holy place.

• Old Town:

Sultanahmet and around Old Town, there are lot of historical places and museums you can be fascinated to visit.

If you are looking for consultation, fill the Contact Form below.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Anonymous